Tonight’s Annual Awards Banquet at the California Holstein Convention paid tribute to many junior and senior members worthy of their respective honors. Following are just a highlight of the honorees today. Look for more scenes from the convention tomorrow and be sure to visit www.caholstein.com for additional association news.

Senior Breeders of the Year Kirsten & Dennis Areias, Den-K Holsteins.

A.J. Quist Young Breeder of the Year – Jana McClelland, McClelland’s Dairy

Milli Rollin Memorial Scholarship winner Emilie Strand

Founders Scholarship winner Rocco Cunningham

Courtney Borba Memorial Scholarship winner (and also a Founders Scholarship winner) Amanda Moretti with Frank Borba and Natalie Borba Silva

Dena Migliazzo was the Junior Girl Breeder of the Year

Brandon Ameda was the Junior Boy Breeder of the Year

Scenes from the banquet!

The California Holstein Association Executive Board & Directors

Rocco & Amanda welcome the state convention to the Redwood Empire in 2012, in Petaluma!

The California Convention Sale has come to a close, averaging $3080. Following are lots and prices exceeding the sale average:

Lot 1 – Choice of 7/10 Freddie females x Regancrest-Lov Gena EX-90 x Nors Bianca Outside Brita
$5600

Lot 2 – Cabernet Gldwyn Sunlight-ET – Goldwyn x Velvet-View-KJ Sunburst-ET 2E-93 GMD DOM x Sher-Est Prelude Sweet-ET EX-92 GMD DOM
$5100

Lot 3 – Den-K Goldwyn Bin Paula-ET – Goldwyn x Den-K Shottle Bindi-ET EX-90 x Den-K Rudolph Cub Kiddy 2E-91 GMD DOM
$4500

Lot 4 – Choice of Domains x R-John Goldwyn Greta-ET VG-87 x Den-K CK Finley Zia-ET VG-86 DOM
$4300

Lot 6 – Choice of Shamrocks x Markwell Goldwyn Mitzi-ET VG-88 x Markwell Morty Fancy-ET EX-91
$5900

Lot 9 – CH-TRL Planet Devann-ET – Planet x Erbacres Shottle Divine-ET VG-89 x Regancrest Encore Dalhia-ET VG-89
$3150

Lot 10 – Choice of Braxtons x BVK Mac Adra-ET VG-87 x Ms Kingstead Chief Adeen-ET 2E-94 DOM
$5300

Lot 11 – 4 Bookem embryos x Sildahl Christmas Memory-ET EX-90 x Sildahl Blitz Madison-ET 2E-91 GMD DOM
$1200/embryo

Lot 14 – Choice of 3 Shottles x Lazy-A Damion Ida 99-ET VG-88 x Villarosa BC Ida 3E-96
$4100

Lot 15 – Choice of 9/09 or 12/09 Shottle x Air-Osa SS Blanca 10437-ET *RC EX-90 x Air-Rosa Durham 6770 EX-90 DOM
$4100

Lot 27 – Choice of Atwoods x La-Foster Dundee Addie-ET VG-88 x Dougal Lea Patience Amour 3E-93
$3100

Aaron Palmer, Frank Robinson & Dennis Areias

Angie Kennedy, Adam Van Exel, Nisa Gallichio, Theresa Machado & Carolina Evangelo

Ken Melvold & Gilbert Teixeira handle the auctioner and pedigree duties

Jana McClelland, Rocco Cunningham, Frank Robinson, Monique & Amanda Moretti

Chris & Leo Durrer

High seller of the night was Lot 6 at $5900 – a Shamrock choice x Markwell Goldwyn Mitzi-ET (VG-88). From left: Ken Melvold (sale mgr), Richard Dias (contender), Jim Wilson (representing buyer Brian Waymire), and Denny Murphy (sale chairman).

The 2011 California Holstein Convention started today and the location is … simply put … stunning! The Pines Resort in Bass Lake is nestled high in the Sierras, just a few miles from Yosemite. Senior breeders continue to roll in as this is posted, while the juniors have been busy already with their speech contest and interviews for the junior breeder competition.

Tonight’s activities include the social hour and sale (which begins at 7pm) and a Bunko tournament for the juniors which will follow their annual meeting.

Congratulations to registration chairmen Steve & Haley Maddox, as they announced that they’re expecting their first child in later this summer!

Enjoy the views from Bass Lake and stay tuned for more convention information!

For more information on the California Holstein Association, visit their website at www.caholstein.com.

As the senior members of the New York Holstein Association packed their bags on Saturday morning to go home, the hotel in Utica was bombarded by over 300 enthusiastic junior members who were just arriving for the start of their convention. It was a very enjoyable and successful convention for the adults, with all eyes looking towards National Convention planning when New York will host the nation in 2016.

Following are scenes from Friday night’s main banquet and more!

New York Active Master Breeder Award Winners – Donna and David Gaige, pictured with their children Jessica, Allison and Gregory. At far right is family friend and award presenter Tim Perotti.

New York Outstanding Young Breeder Award Winners – Lorelle & Eric Sherman.

New York Retired Master Breeder Award Winner Willard Pengally (Wileeda) with his wife and family friend Jeff True.

Friend of New York Holstein Award Winner Ginny Wolfe and Excecutive Manager Patsy Gifford.

One of the very neat things about the Awards Banquet on Friday night was the table centerpieces. Coordinator Jen Conard asked various people to bring in awards they had received over the years. With each trophy, a written explanation of the award and the family was displayed. Some awards were revolving trophies, so conversation around the dinner table involved those who had received the trophy and lots of “remember when” conversations. Probably the most unique award was one that Bill Peck brought in – an Olympic Torch that his daughter-in-law carried in the Salt Lake Olympics. It is pictured above on the bottom left side.

Whew! We made it! Convention co-chair Lee Shimmel and Banquet Chair Jen Conard celebrate at the annual banquet.

DPAC member and former Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff spoke at the convention. He’s pictured here with his wife Josey.

Pennsylvania Holstein Breeder Jim Burdette of Windy Knoll View was another guest speaker during convention. Jim highlighted two cows that were very foundational for his herd – Strother CM Burke Crusader VG-85 – who they bred 10 consecutive generations of Windy-Knoll-View cows from and the world-famous Pala, who incidentally was the dam of an All-American in 1990 and an All-American in 2000. He ended his speech with a challenge for all in the room to be responsible for the future of the dairy industry, and that means above all, encouraging the next generation to continue!

Organizing the NYHA Scholarship Auction again this year were Nancy Wright and Betty Emerling. The duo, assisted by a great committee, raise funds every year for students who are currently in school. This year’s winners are Carolyn Braun, Kristin Davenport, Katie Donnan, Sara Gage, Jordan Fisher and Jessica Herrington.

Other convention notes:
AllBreed recognition was given during the annual banquet to:
Rich & Donna Hill – Brown Swiss Dedicated Breeders Award
Paul Chittenden – National Jersey Distinguished Service Award
Archie Meek – 65 year member of New York Holstein

In a “fun auction” following the banquet meal, attendees got to add to the Junior Scholarship Fund.  Charlene Yousy bought a beautiful hand-painted milk can (painted by Deb Cornman) for $500.  The milk can included a red barn, painted in memory of New York Holstein member Steve Ziemba, who passed away earlier this year.  A handmade wooden farm play set was purchased for $450 by Roedale Farm and Sue Wilson (wife of Holstein USA Field Rep Bob Wilson) purchased two Syracuse x Georgetown basketball tickets for $325.

What do you get when you combine the marketing saavy of three men who also have a great ability to pick out elite cattle? The first-ever Purple Opportunity Tag Sale, being held right now (January 13-17) in New Woodstock, NY. Sale managers Jamie Black, Jack Lomeo and Kevin Ziemba have put together a strong lineup of Holstein and Jersey heifers, along with one Brown Swiss calf. “We feel that we’ve assembled an outstanding and dynamic group of animals,” says Jamie Black. “Whether you’re looking for high index or genomics, purple ribbon winners or high powered cow families, we have what you seek.”

The sale is being hosted by the Holmes family of New Woodstock, and Jesse Holmes and business partner Steve Vail also have a small lineup of animals available for purchase, including the two oldest daughters of Ste-Pen Shottle Win Em All-ET (VG-89 EX-MS).

As of Saturday afternoon, 19 head were sold so far, with the high seller being Cooper Galton’s Welk-Crest Dundee Dezi-ET, the Nominated All-American and All-Canadian Winter Calf for 2010. Dezi is out of the EX-94 Kristelle Skybuck Daphne and then Raymau Bstar Daphne, also EX-94 2E. Dezi sold for $18,000.

The second high seller so far is at $15,000 and she is Dithmarsia Dundee Cinderella, a 12/09 Dundee from the VG-88 Dithmarsia Eclipse Kristine, then Telstar Starbuck Crissy (EX-91 3E) and C Brabantia Lindy Kristy (EX-94 4E).

The Purple Opportunity Tag Sale runs through 4:00pm January 17th. You can find the complete sale catalog online, as well as sale information, directions and contact numbers at http://www.holsteinworld.com/epub/pots/.

Stay tuned for more updates as the sale continues!

It may be snowy outside, but the lineup of cattle you’ll see inside at Holmes-Acres Farm (site of the Purple Opportunity Tag Sale) will definitely warm you up!

Jason Thomas puts the final touches on a heifer.

David Crack Jr. and Michael Heath look over a potential buy.

Holsteins, Brown Swiss and Jersey heifers make up the lineup at the Purple Opportunity Tag Sale.

Semen lots are also for sale – Linjet, Counselor, Skychief, Goldwyn, Spirit, Durham, Allen, Stormatic, Heligo, Cornelius and Kellogg!

HOLSTEIN OWNED BY CUMBERLAND COUNTY MAN, ADAMS COUNTY WOMAN WINS SUPREME AT THE 2011 PA FARM SHOW
1/14/2011

JB-SG Aspen Dakota-ET, a Senior-Three-Year Old Holstein cow owned by Creedin Cornman of Boiling Springs, Cumberland County and Deanna Bendig of Gettysburg, Adams County, won Supreme Champion at the 2011 Pennsylvania Farm Show on Friday, Jan. 14.

More than 420 entries were evaluated by three judges during the dairy cattle show. The judges were: Raechel Sattazahn of Womerlsdorf, Berks County, Tom Arrowsmith of Peach Bottom, Lancaster County and Randy Wolfe of Milton, Northumberland County.

Following the supreme champion decision, more than 30 youth competed in the one of four divisions for the Showmanship Contest. The winners are:

Division 1
1st- Matt Hauck of Middleburg, Snyder Co.
2nd- Danielle Lehman of Bloomsburg, Columbia Co.
3rd- Katie Shultz of Dillsburg, York Co.

Division 2
1st- Jared Wetzel of Manheim, Lancaster Co.
2nd- Courtney Campbell of Gratz, Daulphin Co.
3rd- Chelsea Klinger of Millville, Columbia Co.

Division 3
1st- Coy Campbell of Gratz, Daulphin Co.
2nd- Rebecca Dent of Berwick, Columbia Co.
3rd- Jacob Kline of Myerstown, Lebanon Co.

Division 4
1st- Kaila Stoltzfus of East Earl, Lancater Co
2nd- Macy Walason of Imler, Bedford Co.
3rd- Millena Bashore of Annville, Lebanon Co.

Ayrshire Open Show
Junior Champion-Spring Yearling Maulfair Acres Burdette Ivy, David Maulfair, Jonestown, Lebanon Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-Winter Yearling Oak Pride Swedmark, Kevin Buch, Mohrsville, Huntingdon Co.
Grand Champion–Sunrise-Ridge Farah, Kathryn Baumgardner, Dillsburg, York Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Maulfair Acres Hernan Jackie, Daryl D. Maulfair, Jonestown, Lebanon Co.

Ayrshire Youth Show
Junior Champion-Crown-Quest BBBK Savannah, Miranda Hernley, Lebanon, Lebanon Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-Melody-Lane Burdette Annie, Miranda Hernley, Lebanon, Lebanon Co.
Grand Champion-Sunrise-Ridge Farah, Kathryn Baumgardner, Dillsburg, York Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Jenny’s BBBK Victoria, Jared Douglas Helsley, Roaring Spring, Bedford Co.

Brown Swiss Open Show
Junior Champion-AJK Ted Chianti, Abbie Kuhlman, Rome, Bradford Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-Rip-Vale Parker Lin, Rip-Vale Farm, Avella, Washington Co.
Grand Champion-Kulp-Gen Legacy Tiara-ET, Megan Kulp, Manheim, Lancaster Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Towpath Star Cara, Abbie Kuhlman, Rome, Bradford Co.

Brown Swiss Youth Show
Junior Champion-Brothers Three Pnutbutercup, Dylan Coleman, Ronks, Lancaster Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-Brothers Three Majesty, Dylan Coleman, Ronks, Lancaster Co.
Grand Champion-Kulp-Gen Legacy Tiara-ET, Megan Kulp, Manheim, Lancaster Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Lo-Vi Scip Cheesecake, Kerri Wickard, Newville, Cumberland Co.

Guernsey Open Show
Junior Champion-Knapps Hillpoint Yogi Twilight-ET, Kelly Johnson, York, York Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-Warwick Manor Alymos Molly, Kaila Stoltzfus, East Earl, Lancaster Co.
Grand Champion-Sniders Omni Aerolin, Aaron Gable, New Enterprise, Bedford Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Sniders Tiller Dayle, Kendy Beth Gable, New Enterprise, Bedford Co.

Guernsey Youth Show
Junior Champion-Warwick Manor Alymos Molly, Kaila Stoltzfus, East Earl, Lancaster Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-Lazy M Magicman Moxie, Joseph Murren, New Oxford, Adams Co.
Grand Champion-Working Acres Showdowns Sadie, Tanner McDonald Walason, Imler, Bedford Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Green Slopes Gavin Tosho, Andrew Weaver, Imler, Bedford Co.

Holstein Open Show
Junior Champion-Spungold Skyfire Sonia, Dale & Deanna Bendig and Roy Thompson, Gettysburg, Adams Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-Kirbyville Goldwyn Sasha-ET, Mikayla Davis, Leesport, Berks Co.
Grand Champion-JB-SG Aspen Dakota-ET, Creedin Cornman & Deanna Bendig, Gettysburg, Adams Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Elk-Lick Deuce Twilit Chana, Ashley Stoltzfus, Berlin, Somerset Co.

Holstein Youth Show
Junior Champion-Kirbyville Goldwyn Sasha-ET, Mikayla Davis, Leesport, Berks Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-Arethusa Fortune Arista, Courtney Campbell, Gratz, Dauphin Co.
Grand Champion–Elk-Lick Deuce Twilit Chana, Ashley Stoltzfus, Berlin, Somerset Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Shady Row Dundee Daphne, Coy Campbell, Gratz, Dauphin Co.

Jersey Open Show
Junior Champion-Miss FH Jenna Jameson, Jill Dice, Lebanon, Lebanon Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-Dream Valley Shysters Tauntra, Michael Lamar Bosley, Glenville, York Co.
Grand Champion-Reich-Dale Counciller Hali, Kristen Mull, Chambersburg, Franklin Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Rock Ella SD Lacey, Jacob Spatz, Lititz, Lancaster Co.

Jersey Youth Show
Junior Champion-Coredale Minister Daisy, Amanda Thompson, Wellsville, York Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-Klinedell Iatola Rebecca-ET, Jacob D Kline, Myerstown, Lebanon Co.
Grand Champion-Cordale Legion Dandie, Amanda Thompson, Wellsville, York Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Hardscrabble Forever Grace, E. Richard Beatty III, Newville, Cumberland Co.

Milking Shorthorn Open Show
Junior Champion-BJ Colors Liriano Savannah-Exp, Brian W. Nailor, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-BJ Colors Liriano Peanut-Exp, Brian W. Nailor, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Co.
Grand Champion-Tex-Star Othello Peri, Donnette Fisher, New Enterprise, Bedford Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Hard Core Ace Roxy-EXP, Keith & Donnette Fisher, New Enterprise, Bedford Co.

Milking Shorthorn Youth Show
Junior Champion-Maple Bottom Liro Escapade-EXP, Ry L Bashore, Annville, Lebanon Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-B Plenty Good Moonshine Rosa, Millena L Rosa, Annville, Lebanon Co.
Grand Champion-Oak Pride Clay Hayden, Madison Knepp, Mohrsville, Berks Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-High Spring Lillibeth, Jessica Heeter, Shade Gap, Huntingdon Co.

Red and White Open Show
Junior Champion-Barnview Moonlight Flair-RED, Amber Gabel, Newport, Perry Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-King-Lane Jazzie-RED-ET, David F. King, Coatesville, Chester Co.
Grand Champion-Spungold MVU Jordan Jet-RED, Dale & Deanna Bendig and John & Vicki King, Gettysburg, Adams Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Kulp-Gen Advent Lilac-RED-ET, Megan Kulp, Manheim, Lancaster Co.

Red and White Youth Show
Junior Champion-Barnview Moonlight Flair-RED, Amber Gabel, Newport, Perry Co.
Reserve Junior Champion-Spungold Lou Laura-RED, Jacob D. Kline, Myerstown, Lebanon Co.
Grand Champion-RDMJR ENC Hallelujah-RED, Cody Eller, Roaring Spring, Bedford Co.
Reserve Grand Champion-Vermilion Redman Matty-RED, Katie M Donmoyer, Annville, Lebanon Co.

Last night’s NY Convention ET Sale set a new record averaging $8097 on 30 lots. You can see the high sellers and more photos in the earlier blog posting. Here are more prices and scenes….as well as a summary of this morning’s events. This afternoon, attendees get to hear from two well-known Pennsylvania Holstein breeders, Jim Burdette of Windy Knoll View farm and Dennis Wolff of Pen-Col.

ET Sale Prices
Lot 2 – Montana choice x Tiger-Lily Lawnboy Lulu-Red
7200

Lot 3 – Goldwyn choice x Morningview Shtl Lucy
8800

Lot 4 – Gold Digger choice x Regan-ALH Planet Deloria
7000

Lot 8 – Higherransom Sup Avia (7/10 Super x Lar-Lan KK Goldwyn Ann)
8000

Lot 9 – Beacon choice x North-Fork Bret 4001
8000

Lot 11 – Snowman choice x Larcrest Chessa
7000

Lot 24 – Atlantic choice x Schilldale Butter Cookie
7000

Today’s meeting was highlighted by a “state of the association” meeting, in which the following topics were discussed and talked about:
* NY News Editor Mike McCaffrey reported that the News, only one of two state publications that continues to be printed 12x a year, had a great year in 2010 (page counts were up, rates will stay the same in 2011 and they ended the year in the black.) The News will help Taurus Service celebrate their 40th anniversary in the June issue.

* The number of senior members of the NY Holstein Association is up over 2009 levels

* More than 300 juniors will be coming to Utica tomorrow afternoon to kick off the three-day Junior Holstein Convention

* This was the 91st annual meeting of the state association

* Henry & Carol Beneke will host the state picnic this summer

* Tim Nickerson & Michelle Lee are newly appointed Directors

* The state association has asked to host a National Judging Conference at the Spring Dairy Carousel in 2012

* Plans are underway for the state to host the National Holstein Convention in Saratoga in 2016

* Dave Paddon from Holstein USA reports that the number of registrations in NY state increased last year 5-10% over the previous year

Pictured below are the leaders of the state association, from left: Charlie McEvoy (1st Vice President); Jim Perotti (President); and Mick Cosgrove (2nd Vice President).

For more on the New York Holstein Association, visit www.nyholsteins.com.

The New York All-Breeds Convention kicked off tonight, January 13, at the Radisson hotel in downtown Utica. Always a regular feature at the convention and usually the lead event is the ET Sale, managed by The Cattle Exchange, Dave & Merry Rama. This year’s sale set a new record with the top selling lot belonging to Jeff King and father-in-law John Emerling. Kings-Emerling Flowergrl-ET, born 7/30/10, has new numbers of +2366 GTPI and +773NM$ – the #19 heifer in the breed! Flowergrl is sired by Domain and out of Honeycrest Shottle Faith-ET (VG-89 DOM) with the next six dams being VG or EX back to Honeycrest Blkstar Kathryn (EX-90 GMD-DOM). Bidding was fast and furious and at the end, and ultimately, it was Arethusa Farms, Litchfield, CT, who purchased the beautiful young heifer for  $51,000.  Kevin Peck, Clear Echo Farm, was contender.

Todd Galton of Nunda, NY, won out on Lot #1, a Snowman choice from Ms Andis Shottle Aneeda-ET (VG-89 EX-MS), the 30,000M 1500F Shottle daughter of Md-Maple-Dell Mar Andi-ET (VG-88). The next dams are 92, 2E-94, 88 and then the Queen of the Breed II finalist herself, Ms Kingstead Chief Adeen (2E-94 DOM). Consigned by Maple Downs Farms, Aaron Cooper & Michael Heath, the choice sold for $20,000.

Other sale highlights include:
Pine-Tree Planet Suzy-ET – $18,000
GTPI +2203
Planet x Pine-Tree Monica Suzy (VG-87)

1st choice of 4 Observer females x Welcome Shottle Lynex (VG-86) GTPI +1936 – Observers have GTPI values of 2240, 2129, 2302 and 2248. Their full brother goes to Select
$20,000

The sale averaged $8097 on 30 full lots. Sale staff members included Dan Brandt, Jason Pullis, Rick Verbeek and Raymond LeBlanc. Horace Backus read pedigrees.

Following are scenes from the convention’s opening night!

The Wood County Juniors, in coordination with the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association, held the 2011 Wisconsin Junior Holstein Convention in Stevens Point at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center, January 8-10, 2011. Over 500 Holstein members, chaperones, and volunteers were in attendance to help make the weekend a success.

Throughout convention, junior members were encouraged to participate in numerous contests, including speaking, arts and crafts, photography, dairy jeopardy, and dairy quiz bowl. The largest competition of the weekend was dairy quiz bowl, in which 27 junior, 28 senior, and four rookie teams competed.

Over 50 volunteers helped coordinate more than 150 dairy bowl matches, dairy jeopardy contests, and speaking contests. At the end of the weekend, an undefeated junior team from Manitowoc County and a senior team from Vernon County earned the honor to represent Wisconsin at the National Holstein Convention in the Dairy Bowl contest in June. Manitowoc County’s team members included Jake Siemers, Crystal Peterman, Jordan Siemers and Josh Siemers. Vernon County’s team was comprised of Arlisa Landis, Katie Wendorf, Ryan Nigh, and Kaleb Storm. Coming in second place in both the junior and senior divisions were teams from Polk County. Polk’s junior team included Ethan and Trent Dado, Mykayla Getschel, and Laura Jensen. The senior team was comprised of Bethany Dado, Brett Getschel, Cody Getschel and Chris Rassier.

Junior Dairy Bowl team champs from Manitowoc County

Senior Dairy Bowl team champs from Vernon County

All juniors at convention had the chance to compete in the dairy jeopardy competition. The top competitor in each of three age brackets has the opportunity to compete at the National level. Qualifying this year in the junior division was Jake Siemers of Manitowoc County, the intermediate division Rachel Hartlaub of Manitowoc County, and the senior division Katie Wendorf of Vernon County. Placing second and third in the junior division were Josh Siemers of Manitowoc County and Zach Servais of Vernon County. In the intermediate division, Jordan Siemers of Manitowoc County took second, and Kaleb Storm of Vernon County was third. In the senior division, Brett Getschel of Polk County and Kelly Lee of Jefferson County placed second and third.

In the speaking contest, Wisconsin can send up to three delegates in each division to compete at National Convention. To compete, youth must prepare a speech of a topic related to the dairy industry at a length assigned to their specific age division. Heading to National Convention this year are Courtney Moser of Vernon County, Connor Siemers of Manitowoc County, and Adam Field of Sauk County in the junior division. Crystal Siemers-Peterman of Manitowoc County, Kati Kindschuh of Fond du Lac County, and Taylor Moret of Crawford County qualified in the intermediate division. A strong senior division will send Kaitlin Riley of Crawford County, Breinne Hendrickson of Green County, and Jennifer Kindschuh of Fond du Lac County to the National contest in 2011.

On Sunday evening, the annual banquet was held to honor those outstanding juniors in the association. Jacob Brey of Door County and Danae Bauer of Waupaca County claimed the most prestigious honor, being named Outstanding Holstein Boy and Girl. These individuals have excelled in their own Holstein programs, and have been an asset to the association and dairy industry. Also receiving honors were 13 other Distinguished Junior Members, 19 Younger Junior Distinguished Members, and 12, 12 & Under youth all excelling in Wisconsin Holstein activities and the dairy industry.

Danae Bauer of Waupaca County and Jacob Brey of Door County – Outstanding Holstein Boy and Girl.

Of the exceptional youth recognized, four representatives in the Distinguished and Younger Distinguished Member category were selected to represent Wisconsin at the National Holstein Convention, which will be hosted by Virginia this June. Kelly Lee of Jefferson County, Danae Bauer of Waupaca County, Carl Lippert of Wood County, and Mitch Kappelman of Manitowoc County were all chosen to represent Wisconsin as Distinguished Junior Members. The Younger Member delegates include Jessica Pralle of Clark County, Brooks Hendrickson of Green County, and Jordan Siemers and Crystal Siemers-Peterman, both from Manitowoc County.

The 2011 Wisconsin Holstein Princess and Attendant were also crowned at the Sunday evening banquet. This year, Breinne Hendrickson of Green County will serve as the WHA Princess, and Carrie Warmka of Dodge County will join her as the WHA Princess Attendant.

Carrie Warmka -WHA Princess Attendant – and Breinne Hendrickson – WHA Princess

Wisconsin Holstein awarded nearly $13,000 in scholarships this year, and following the award presentation, an auction was held to raise funds for future awards. Donated items auctioned off included a clippers from Andis, UW-Madison Men’s Hockey tickets donated by Ted and Sandy Halbach, a certificate for a Bonnie Mohr print, UW-Madison Men’s Basketball tickets donated by Corey Geiger and Krista Knigge, another pair of men’s basketball tickets donated by the Rob Rippchen family, and a show package donated by NASCO. Also donated was a one-night stay at the Kalahari, Chula Vista, a pedal and toy tractor from Case-IH, a stay at the “Doctor’s House” by Rick Daluge, a voucher for a pair of Milwaukee Brewer tickets, an Agri-Graphics gift package, and a two-night stay at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point. Proceeds from the auction are put into the WHA scholarship fund, and this year over $3,000 was added. High school seniors, short course, and two and four year college students that are members of WHA are all eligible for these awards.

Throughout the convention, youth were recognized for other outstanding achievements, including Junior Progressive Breeder recognition for owning and breeding their milking animals producing 30,000, to over 200,000 pounds of milk in one lactation or over their lifetime. Members with cows that produced over 175,000 pounds of milk in their lifetime included Hillary Hartley of Crawford County and Brandon Long of Waupaca County.

The Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association awards interested junior members the opportunity to travel to an area of the state to tour farms and learn from their experience. This “Farm Tour Trip” award was given to twelve recipients this year, including Jenny Kindschuh of Fond du Lac County, Arlisa Landis of Vernon County, Dane Thompson of Barron County, Brett Hildebrandt of Dodge County, Kayla Krueger of Waupaca County, Amelia Cooper of Dane County, Lexa Miller of Wood County, Sean Brown of Iowa County, Anna Blake of Waushara County, Kristin Solum of Barron County, Tanya Smith of Green County and Bryce Krull of Jefferson County. The group will be traveling the state early this spring.

Also held Sunday morning was the annual business meeting, in which four new Junior Activities Committee (JAC) members were selected. The JAC group is responsible for coordinating and seeing through all junior events within the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association. Selected this year for the southwest district was Katie Wendorf of Vernon County, for the northwest Nathan Huser of Wood County, the southeast Brett Hildebrandt of Dodge County, and the northeast Cara Biely of Manitowoc County. These members will serve a two-year term as JAC’s, and join the second-year members Katie Wallenhorst of Lafayette County, William Coyne of Pierce County, Laura Elliott of Dane County and Jacob Brey of Door County.

The contest room is always fun and a great way to show off things done by junior members throughout the year. In the advertising contest, members submit advertisements they ran in the Wisconsin Holstein News or something they designed at home on their own. This year’s winners in the junior division were Jordan Siemers of Manitowoc County, Crystal Siemers-Peterman of Manitowoc County, and Elizabeth Sarbacker of Dane County. In the senior division, Brett Hildebrandt of Dodge County, Andrea Pagenkopf of Grant County, and Nicole Wright of Jefferson County were recognized. Taking people’s choice honors were Elizabeth Sarbacker and Brett Hildebrandt.

In the photography contest’s farm people photos, Elizabeth Sarbacker of Dane County, Connor Siemers of Manitowoc County, and Crystal Siemers-Peterman of Manitowoc County were recognized. In the senior division, Kayla Krueger of Waupaca County, Nicole Wright of Jefferson County, and Andrea Pagenkopf of Grant County had photos that received top honors. People’s choice awards went to Paul Byl of Polk County and Andrea Pagenkopf.

In photography’s farm scenes category, Jenna Breuch of Wood County took first and third, while Rachel Coyne of Pierce County was second in the junior division. Excelling in the senior division were Cassi Miller of Wood County, Matt Olson of Door County, and Lexa Miller of Wood County. People’s choice honors went to Jenna Breuch of Wood County and Matt Olson.

Wrapping up the photography contest was the farm animals category, where Courtney Moser of Vernon County took first, and Elizabeth Sarbacker of Dane County took second and third. Katrina Nunes of Chippewa County took first and third, and Nicole Wright of Jefferson County rounded out the senior division. People’s choice awards went to Elizabeth Sarbacker of Dane County and Becky Steffensmeier of Grant County.

The juniors got creative in the arts contest, and taking top honors in the junior division were Rachel Nigh of Vernon County, who took first and third place, and Austin Nauman of Monroe County, who took second and People’s Choice. In the senior division, Brynn Kasten of Manitowoc County was the top individual. Brynn Kasten received the people’s choice award in the senior division.

Also bringing out creativity were those in the crafts contest. Elizabeth Sarbacker of Dane County, Emily Reuter of Lafayette County, and Charlie Hamilton of Grant County were the top individuals in the junior division, while Kayla Wright of Jefferson County, Kayla Krueger of Waupaca County, and Nikki Nauman of Monroe County were top three in the senior division. People’s choice winners were Elizabeth Sarbacker and Kayla Wright.

Each county is encouraged to submit a scrapbook of their activities throughout the year. These books are judged and awards are given to the top three counties. This year Green County earned top honors, and Waupaca/Waushara and Rock Counties followed closely in second and third place. The digital scrapbook contest winners were Door County (first place) and Jefferson County (second place).

The folding display contest was a huge success this year. Individuals developed display boards to highlight activities or subjects within the dairy industry. First in the junior division was Courtney Moser of Vernon County, second was Adam Field of Sauk County, and third was Connor Siemers of Manitowoc County. Courtney was also named people’s choice in this contest. First in the intermediate division was Jordan Siemers of Manitowoc County, second was Katherine Larson of Vernon County, and third was John Klossner of Green County. Ben Powers of Dunn County was People’s Choice winner in the intermediate division. In the senior contest, Kayla Wright of Jefferson County was first place and people’s choice.

This year’s essay contest topics included members writing about assigned topics relating to today’s dairy industry. The top three junior individuals for this contest were Charlie Hamilton of Grant County, Elizabeth Sarbacker of Dane County and Logan Voights of Lafayette County. In the senior division, Stephanie Nagel of Manitowoc County was first, and Rachel Hartlaub, also of Manitowoc County, was second.

For teams to be seated in the dairy bowl contest, they must take a written exam on the first day of convention. Those individuals scoring highest are recognized with awards presented by Accelerated Genetics. High scores in the junior division this year went to Trent Dado of Polk County, Charles Moore of Grant County, and Jordan Siemers of Manitowoc County. Also recognized for high scores in the senior division were Jace Neuser and Mitch Kappelman of Manitowoc County, and Carissa Tolzman of Iowa County.

The Wisconsin Holstein Association would like to commend the Wood County Junior Holstein Association members and chaperones, and extend a special thank you to all volunteers that helped make the weekend a success.

The association would also like to thank the following junior raffle sponsors: the Bill and Clarice Brey family, Accelerated Genetics, International Protein Sires, ABS Global, Inc., Genex/CRI Coop, East/Central Select Sires, NASCO, Animart, The Country Today, Wisconsin Holstein News, Hoard’s Dairyman, Cattle Connection, UW-Platteville, Holstein World, Bovine Boutique, Badger Dairy Club, UW-River Falls Dairy Club, and Priority IAC. Also, thank you to all juniors who sold tickets and help make this year’s WHA junior fundraiser a success!

Congratulations to Mark & Katelyn Olbrich on the birth of their daughter this morning! Bria Janice was born weighing in at 6lbs 13oz. and 20 inches long. We’re very excited for everyone in the Olbrich family!